Gossip Girl 1x01 (Pilot)

Stephanie Savage, Josh Schwartz

Description

GOSSIP GIRL "PILOT" by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage Based on GOSSIP GIRL by Cecily von Ziegesar Alloy Entertainment College Hill Pictures/Girl Philospher Inc. Warner Bros. Television 12.20.06 GOSSIP GIRL/”Pilot” COLD OPEN FADE IN: MANHATTAN SKYLINE Even from a distance, it’s clear. You could get in a lot of trouble in this city. And hurtling towards it is AN AMTRAK TRAIN Over this we HEAR the voice of GOD. Or GOD to the teenagers of the Upper East Side. The voice of GOSSIP GIRL. GOSSIP GIRL VOICE Spotted on the New Haven Line. Headed towards Manhattan. An eerily beautiful blonde... INT. AMTRAK TRAIN -- MAGIC HOUR A FACE pressed against the glass. One of the most beautiful faces you’ve ever seen. But the first thing you notice is the soulfulness behind this girl’s gaze. Meet -- SERENA VAN DER WOODSEN, 17. GOSSIP GIRL VOICE Long pale hair. Dark blue eyes. Is it possible. Is Serena back? Another GIRL, 17, walks down the aisle. Then she sees Serena. Freezes, staring. Like she’s seen a movie star. Serena turns - sensing she’s being watched. The GIRL moves quickly. Head down. But as she goes, she whips out her SIDEKICK. Cop shows have guns. Medical shows have scalpels. This show has SIDEKICKS. The girl’s thumbs fly across the keys. She hits SEND: VARIOUS SHOTS OF -- SIDEKICKS. LAPTOPS. CELL PHONES. TEENAGERS passing a VIRUS OF GOSSIP. From CENTRAL PARK to the shops of MADISON AVENUE.

Sujets

• Gossip Girl
• Série télévisée
• Script
• Scénario
• Josh Schwartz
• Stephanie Savage

Informations

• Publié par: seriekiller
• Publié le: 30 janvier 2013
• Nombre de lectures: 115
• Langue: English

Extrait

GOSSIP GIRL

"PILOT"

by

Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage

Based on GOSSIP GIRL

by Cecily von Ziegesar

Alloy Entertainment College Hill Pictures/Girl Philospher Inc. Warner Bros. Television 12.20.06

FADE IN:

GOSSIP GIRL/”Pilot”

MANHATTAN SKYLINE

COLD OPEN

Even from a distance, it’s clear.You could get in a lot of trouble in this city. And hurtling towards it is

AN AMTRAK TRAIN

Over this we HEAR the voice of GOD. Or GOD to the teenagers of the Upper East Side. The voice ofGOSSIP GIRL.

GOSSIP GIRL VOICE Spotted on the New Haven Line. Headed towards Manhattan. An eerily beautiful blonde...

INT. AMTRAK TRAIN -- MAGIC HOUR

A FACE pressed against the glass. One of the most beautiful faces you’ve ever seen. But the first thing you notice is the soulfulness behind this girl’s gaze. Meet --

SERENA VAN DER WOODSEN, 17.

GOSSIP GIRL VOICE Long pale hair. Dark blue eyes. Is it possible. Is Serena back?

Another GIRL, 17, walks down the aisle. Then she sees Serena. Freezes, staring. Like she’s seen a movie star. Serena turns - sensing she’s being watched. The GIRL moves quickly. Head down. But as she goes, she whips out her

SIDEKICKshows have guns. . Cop Medical shows have scalpels. This show has SIDEKICKS. The girl’s thumbs fly across the keys. She hitsSEND:

VARIOUS SHOTS OF --

SIDEKICKS. LAPTOPS. CELL PHONES. TEENAGERS passing a VIRUS OF GOSSIP. From CENTRAL PARK to the shops of MADISON AVENUE. All typing as fast as they can:

-- SDVW HEADED TO CITY?!!

-- 4 REALS? OMG!! WHY?

-- 1ST SIGHTING IN A YR!!! SOUND ALARMS! LOL!

INT. WALDORF PENTHOUSE -- POWDER ROOM -- NIGHT

This last message buzzes on a BEDAZZLED SIDEKICK.

A face pops up in the mirror.

BLAIR WALDORF, 17.

2.

Pretty. But will never feel beautiful enough. The sink runs. She wipes saliva from her lips. Rinses with mouthwash. A ritual. Checks her SIDEKICK on the counter.

Her eyes narrow. She inhales sharply. A siren has just sounded in this girl’s soul. She exits into --

INT. WALDORF PENTHOUSE -- DRAWING ROOM -- NIGHT

A SOCIETY PARTY in full swing. STAFF with trays of CHABLIS wait on NYC’s wealthiest, most dysfunctional DENIZENS.

Blair heads into the party -- passing --

ELEANOR WALDORF, Blair’s mother. Regal. Impeccably dressed and preserved. The center of the party. With other WOMEN.

ELEANOR Blair, sweetie, if you’re going to wear one of my designs, tell me. The slip underneath completely fights the lines.

BLAIR (forces a smile) Thanks, Mom. Great party...

Blair keeps moving -- seeing across the room --

NATE ARCHIBALD, 17.

Handsome. Most popular guy on the Upper East Side. External confidence hides the fact that deep down, he senses that he doesn’t deserve any of it -- or maybe even want it. He’s with his father - HOWIE “THE CAPTAIN” ARCHIBALD. Always with a SCOTCH in hand. And some other ADULTS.

HIGH SOCIETY MAN So, Nate. Started thinking about college?

THE CAPTAIN Well, I’m a Dartmouth man.

Nate takes a beat. Aren’t they asking him?

NATE Yes. Dad’s always spoken highly of Dartmouth. But I’d also love to look out West -- USC or UCLA --

THE CAPTAIN His mother doesn’t want to hear about it. Dartmouth is far enough away for her.

NATE (swallows, then smiles) Dartmouth is my first choice.

The Captain grins. That’s my boy. Blair grabs Nate.

BLAIR Hey, Nate. Can I borrow you? (to Howie) Excuse me Captain.

NATE Uh, sure. What’s up --

3.

But Blair is already dragging Nate away. Passing a group of kids by the bar. One of them is --

CHUCK BASS, 17. Future Senator or cautionary tale. With two girls in tow, KATY and ISABEL, 17. Rosencrantz and Guilderstern in Jimmy Choos. Drinks in hand.

CHUCK Nathaniel - any interest in some fresh air?

Chuck mimes smoking a joint.

NATE When I get back?

BLAIR (naughty smile) If he gets back.

The other kids react. Laugh.

KATY Omigod. How scandalous!

ISABEL What a slut! We love you!

CHUCK (raises his GLASS) To Nate. About to have a much better time than the rest of us. (MORE)

CHUCK (CONT'D) (as the couple moves off) Wonder what brought that on?...

4.

Chuck gets another drink. Suddenly Katy and Isabel feel their purses BUZZ. They pull out their SIDEKICKS. And eyes widen.

KATY Omigod. You’ll never believe what’s on Gossip Girl --

ISABEL (reading) Some Dalton girl says she saw Serena on the train. But it’s probably not even her.

CHUCK Let’s hope it is. Things were starting to get boring around here.

The girls raise eyebrows -- begin typing away. And we --

REVERSE MONTAGE.The earlier GOSSIP CHAIN going backwards. Laptops and cell phones and Sidekicks working overtime.

INT. AMTRAK TRAIN -- EVENING

The GIRL who started it all gets a TEXT:

--PROVE IT!

The train is pulling into the station. Serena makes her way down the aisle with the crowd. The girl raises her phone. Hits the CAMERA button. Serena turns and:

FLASH!

INT. GRAND CENTRAL STATION -- PLATFORMS

As one train pulls in another readies to leave. Before it stands the HUMPHREY FAMILY. As different from stuffy uptown society as possible. Hip and bohemian.

The mom, ALISON, late 30s, is hugging her kids. DAN, 17, will be fine when he gets to college. That is little consolation today. JENNY, 15, isn’t waiting for college. Wants to be popular now.

ALISON I’m sorry I have to do this. Dan - keep an eye on your sister. I’m just a phone call away, Jenny. (one final hug) (MORE)

ALISON (CONT'D) God, I didn’t realize leaving was going to be this hard.

5.

Her husband, RUFUS, shaggy but sweet, stands behind her.

RUFUS Well, then maybe you shouldn’t go. (Alison shoots him a look) Right. Probably a little late for that talk.

The train behind them WHEEZES into gear. People hurry on. Alison waves to her family. They wave back, numb. She gets on the train. Rufus stands with his arms around his kids.

They watch Alison through the window. As the train starts to pull away, Rufus puts on a brave face.

RUFUS (CONT’D) Let’s go home. I’m cooking. (off their looks) My first official meal as a single dad. You want my famous grilled cheese? Or my slightly less renowned mac and cheese?

Rufus and Jenny start to walk away. Dan remains. Looks back at his mom’s train - and then sees behind it --

ANOTHER PLATFORM.

With a train that has just arrived. And stepping off that train is SERENA. Bags in hand. Dan is frozen.

DAN Jenny... you’re not going to believe this!

As he watches Serena disappear into the CROWD...

INT. GRAND CENTRAL STATION -- TERMINAL

Serena emerges from the escalator. Looks around expectantly for a familiar face in the THRONGS. Finds a CHAUFFEUR with a sign: VAN DER WOODSEN. She sighs... must be home.

GOSSIP GIRL VOICE Rumors are flying. And who can blame us?

INT. WALDORF PENTHOUSE -- BLAIR’S ROOM -- NIGHT

The door BANGS open. Blair pulls Nate inside. Kissing him hungrily. She pushes him toward the bed.

BLAIR I want to do this.It. Now.

NATE Now, now? I thought you wanted to wait --

BLAIR Not anymore...

6.

He nods. Sounds good to him. They fall back on the bed. Blair on top. Clothes starting to come off...

EXT. WALDORF APARTMENT BUILDING -- NIGHT

A town car pulls up. The Chauffeur opens the door. Serena steps out. Takes a beat. Then heads in, past a DOORMAN who seems surprised to see her.

GOSSIP GIRL VOICE Upper East Side “It Girl” just up and heads for boarding school without so much as a good-bye to anyone...

INT. WALDORF PENTHOUSE -- BLAIR’S ROOM -- NIGHT

It’s a blur of lips, hips and fingertips.

BLAIR I love you Nate Archibald. Always have. Always will.

Nate hesitates. Just for a moment. Her eyes search his.

NATE I love you too.

Satisfied with this, she goes back to kissing him...

INT. WALDORF PENTHOUSE -- VESTIBULE -- NIGHT

The ELEVATOR doors open. Serena steps out. Party NOISE inside. Is she ready for this?

GOSSIP GIRL VOICE In her absence, the myth has only grown. Everyone’s got their fav Serena story. Though it’s hard to know where fact ends, and fiction begins... Ah, the sacrifices one makes to be the life of the party.

INT. WALDORF PENTHOUSE -- DRAWING ROOM -- NIGHT

Serena steps tentatively into the party - and hears:

ELEANOR Serena van der Woodsen?! Is that you?

Everyone in the party stops what they’re doing. Turns.

ON CHUCK, KATY AND ISABEL --

7.

Surprised. Katy absently pours champagne on Isabel’s shoes.

INT. WALDORF PENTHOUSE -- BLAIR’S ROOM -- CONTINUOUS

Blair straddles Nate. They’re about to get serious until --

ELEANOR’S VOICE Look everyone! It’s Serena!

Nate suddenly freezes, jolted out of the moment.

NATE Serena?...

BLAIR (suddenly deaf) Serena’s at school... Kiss me.

NATE I just heard your mom say she’s here. Don’t you think we should probably... say hi.

A look between them. This is not happening. Blair exhales.

BLAIR Of course. Totally.

Nate is up. Tucking. Buttoning. Zipping.

NATE You coming?

BLAIR Just need a minute...

Blair’s eyes shift to her bedside table. A photo: of SERENA and BLAIR. Happy. Sweet. Blair snaps the FRAME down.

INT. WALDORF PENTHOUSE -- DRAWING ROOM -- NIGHT

8.

A crowd has formed. Kids and adults alike. Whispering. (”She looks good”, “Too thin”, “I like her hair”) Watching --

Serena hugs her mom - DARLA VAN DER WOODSEN, late 30s. Former ballerina and rock groupie. Holding onto her youth with both hands.

SERENA Hey, mom. Good to see you. (sarcastic) Thanks for sending a car to get me.

DARLA (doesn’t get it) Of course, babe.

SERENA (quietly) Is he here? (off her look) They still haven’t let him out?

DARLA (also hushed) Let’s not discuss it now - (beat) I thought you’d want to see your friends.

Serena looks up as NATE approaches. Slows as he sees her. They share a long look. Charged. He raises a hand for a wave. Right before she can wave back --

BLAIR steps in front of him. Intentionally.

BLAIR Serena! Hi!

She gives Serena the warmest smile. Serena smiles back.

SERENA Hey, Blair.

BLAIR (hugging, too hard) I’m so happy to see you! Come -- we’re just about to have dinner.

ELEANOR Yes! We want to hear all about your adventures in the Cote D’Azur this summer. If there’s anyone who can make the French love America...

SERENA Actually... (looks at her mom) There’s somewhere I have to --

Serena --

DARLA

BLAIR You’re leaving?

SERENA (covering) I’m not feeling that well. But I just wanted to say hi. (to Blair) I’ll see you at school tomorrow.

BLAIR School? (more to herself) So you’re back for good.

9.

SERENA moves towards the elevator. KATY and ISABEL share a look: WTF? They WHIP out their SIDEKICKS. Typing quickly.

SERENA looks at NATE as the elevator doors close. BLAIR turns -- catches NATE looking after Serena...

GOSSIP GIRL VOICE Word is that S bailed on B’s party in under ninety seconds. And didn’t have even one limoncello. Guess it’s true -- you can’t go home again.

ON KATY AND ISABEL --

KATY She must be in rehab.

ISABEL Unless she’s pregnant. Let’s start a bump watch!

TIGHT ON: A PHOTO of SERENA. The one from the train.

INT. HUMPHREY APARTMENT -- NIGHT

10.

The only light from Dan’s MacBook screen. He’s on GOSSIPGIRL.COM. A DEFAMER/TMZ website all about the Upper East Side. Dan stares at the picture of Serena, rapt. Starts to scroll through POSTS. Some ridiculous, some mean, all of them about her...

GOSSIP GIRL VOICE The girl is a mystery in Lanvin ballet flats.

TIGHT ON A SIDEKICK --

SCROLLING through COMMENTS left by ANONYMOUS POSTERS, landing on the final one:

-- SLUT!

INT. LENOX HILL HOSPITAL -- CORRIDOR -- NIGHT

Serena clicks her SIDEKICK shuts. Stung.

GOSSIP GIRL VOICE But if anyone can solve her it’s Gossip Girl. But I’m going to need your help. So send me all the deats. Cause I smell a scandal...

Serena then stares through a window at a --

BOY, 14. Shock of BLUE HAIR. Sleeping in a hospital bed. A NURSE finds her.

NURSE Young lady - you can’t be here. Visiting hours are over.

SERENA I’m family. (beat) He’s my brother.

END OF COLD OPEN